The glow
Yasmin Jaldin
Tikiri eked out his livelihood by cutting firewood, from the nearby
forests and selling them at the village fair. He had to trek a long way
off from home to the forest daily. One day as usual, he set out for his
routine. By mid-day he had collected sufficient firewood and stacked
them on his bicycle. Feeling very hungry he partook of the sumptuous
lunch his wife had prepared and rested under a large banyan tree.
The thought of his young wife now heavy with child brought him
nostalgic memories. He remembered the ‘narang’ she requested him to
bring. This he should not forget, otherwise she would despair was his
thought. He was contented though being poor, he was blessed with
happiness in his small dwelling. This aspired him most.
Tikiri ventured deep into the forest in search of ‘nearang’. Spotting
a tree yonder hill he climbed it and picked as much as he could tucking
them into his sarong. Tired by the tedious task after climbing down he
lay for a snooze. The soothing environment of the forest with its lush
green made his short nap a deep slumber. Unknowingly, he had lain there
for about three hours and the trumpeting of wild elephants brought him
to his senses. By now it was very late in the evening and soon dusk
would envelop the whole forest, how could he return, his cries would not
be heard by anyone. He had lost his way. He shuddered at the thought of
the wild beasts and elephants that were roaming the jungle at night and
for sure they would kill him.
He wept bitterly thinking of his wife at this juncture who would be
awaiting his arrival to have diner with him. No doubt she would be
pondering his long absence.
The forest was pitch dark by now without a tinge of light and looking
at the tall large trees gave him an eerie feeling. He gave up hopes of
returning to the village and started praying, reciting all the prayers
that came into his mind for his safety.
Desolated, he wept aloud shouting for help though nobody could hear
him asking God forgiveness for all his sins. Just then, he heard the
rustle of branches from far beyond the trees which made him gaze at a
luminous light resembling a coloured fireball which almost blinded him,
setting the whole forest in a ray of unbelievable sunlight. He rubbed
his eye shard to glimpse the glistening light which came nearer to him.
He got so frightened that he closed his eyes with both hands and thought
his end was near. Nay! It was not so!, when he felt an ethereal hand
touch his head; bewildered he opened his eyes. There stood before him a
smiling Swami dressed in luminous yellow attire carrying a light and a
string of beads, beckoning Tikiri to follow him.
He knelt before the Swami who touched his head once again, no words
were spoken between them. The Swami directed that Tikiri walk ahead of
him while he walked behind with the shining light. The journey to the
village almost lasted an hour. When he turned back to thank his Saviour
it had vanished. He was very upset by this ordeal when he related the
tale to his wife. Whoever the apparition was had saved him at the nick
of time.
The following day, Tikiri related his encounter to the village
priest. It transpired,that in most instances, undesirables and treasure
hunters had ventured into the forest on the pretext of collecting
firewood, but their main intention was to find a treasure hidden by
pirates perceived to be in a cave.
According to a tale related by the old folks of the village there was
also a hoodoo hovering in the forest, since many undesirables who had
ventured to find the treasure had never returned. Maybe, since Tikiri
was unaware of such an episode, was God fearing, humble and honest, the
apparition had helped him. |